Easy Quinoa Egg Bites - Good Cheap Eats Budget Recipes (2024)

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Ready for a simple, make-ahead breakfast that’s great for on-the-go? These Easy Quinoa Egg Bites are just the ticket to fuel you for the morning.

Love eggs? Got extras that need using? Be sure to check out our recipes for what to make with eggs.

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Over the last year or so, I’ve done something I never thought could happen. Lose over 20 pounds.

I know, right?

Amazing.

After years of trying a number of different fad diets, battling thyroid disease, and exercising until I was blue in the face, turns out the answer was in my kitchen.

Increasing my vegetable intake, drinking more water, and toning down my carbs late at night have all helped me get back to where I was prior to my thyroid freaking out. (It was hyper so the meds slowed everything down and I ended up gaining more weight than I ever had in my life.)

One of the strategies I used to keep to my nutrition system was to make sure that I had a hearty, protein-filled breakfast every morning. I alternated betweenGreek Yogurt With Muesli,Skillet-Poached Eggs, and these Easy Quinoa Egg Bites.

Get Meal Plan 7This recipe is featured in Good Cheap Eats Meal Plan 7. Get the free 3-day meal plan, all the budget-friendly recipes, tips for what to do with leftovers, and the customizable printable grocery list.

Easy Quinoa Egg Bites

These miniature egg casseroles feature quinoa, eggs, veggies, and cheese. They are a delicious for meal prep and a great way to use up little bits of odds and ends you’ve got in the fridge.

Easy Quinoa Egg Bites - Good Cheap Eats Budget Recipes (3)

What is Quinoa?

I first heard about quinoa in 2003, long before it was cool. I lived in a rural California community. While we didn’t have a Starbucks, I did have a circle of friends who ground their own wheat and prepared “qwi-noah”.

We didn’t know it was pronounced, keen-wah. What can I say?

I didn’t like it for a long time, but over the last decade and half, quinoa has grown on me.

In case you didn’t know, quinoa is a pseudo-cereal that’s got a fair amount of protein in it. It was considered the “mother grain” by the Incas and is still an important food in South American cooking. Containing all eight essential amino acids, it’s considered a super-food/complete protein.

Besides that illustrious back story, it’s tasty in egg dishes, soups, salads, and chilies as well as a hearty side dish.

After you’ve made these Quinoa Egg Bites, be sure to make these yummy things:

  • Quinoa Chili with Three Chiles
  • Quinoa Salad to Make You Swoon
  • Quinoa Vegetable Salad
  • Easy Chicken Quinoa Bowl
  • Quinoa Pilaf

For best results, buy quinoa that’s been pre-rinsed. Rinsing is required to remove bitterness from the grain. Buying it pre-washed, saves you the hassle.

Easy Quinoa Egg Bites - Good Cheap Eats Budget Recipes (4)

Can you use different fillings in this recipe?

Yes! Besides being amazingly addictive, this recipe’s versatility game is strong. Feel free to mix up the cheese, vegetables, and onions with whatever you have on hand.

Consider these flavor combinations:

  • ham, swiss, and kale
  • feta, spinach, and tomato
  • bacon, goat cheese, and bell pepper

Can you freeze quinoa egg bites?

Yes! I love to make a big batch of these and stash them away in the freezer. Prepare the recipe and allow the bites to cool completely. Wrap, label, and chill in the refrigerator until very cold before storing in the freezer.

To serve: reheat in the microwave or allow to thaw in the refrigerator to eat cold or at room temperature.

Easy Quinoa Egg Bites - Good Cheap Eats Budget Recipes (5)

How to Make Quinoa Egg Bites

This is a super simple recipe that allows you to use up leftover cooked quinoa as well as whatever veggies, meat, and cheese you have on hand.

  1. Preheat the oven to 350.
  2. Assemble your ingredients so you don’t forget anything. Cook, slice, or shred whatever needs prepping.
  3. Beat the eggs in a large mixing bowl and season to taste with salt and pepper
  4. Add the mix-ins. Stir well to combine.
  5. Scoop the mixture into mini muffin pans. If you use USA pans, you won’t need to spray the pan. If using other baking dishes, be sure to grease it well.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove to a rack or platter and serve.

How can I make this recipe economically?

This recipe isn’t expensive to make, even from scratch. However, there are things that you can do to make your sweet treat even better.

  • Stock up on ingredients when they are on sale.When you see a good price on quinoa, stock up and stash for later.
  • Use up leftovers. This is a great recipe for using up whatever you have left from dinner: obviously quinoa, but also shredded or crumbled cheeses, chopped onion, and cooked veggies and meat.

How Imake this recipe easily:

This recipe really couldn’t be easier than it is, but having the right kitchen tools can really make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable. Over time, I’ve honed my collection so that they are perfect for my needs.

Here are the tools that I use for this recipe:

Easy Quinoa Egg Bites - Good Cheap Eats Budget Recipes (6)

Easy Quinoa Egg Bites - Good Cheap Eats Budget Recipes (7)If you prepare this recipe, be sure to share a picture on social media and hashtag it #GOODCHEAPEATS. I can't wait to see what you cook up!

Easy Quinoa Egg Bites - Good Cheap Eats Budget Recipes (8)

Easy Quinoa Egg Bites

Ready for a simple, make-ahead breakfast that's great for on-the-go? These Easy Quinoa Egg Bites are just the ticket to fuel you for the morning.

4.87 from 22 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer, Breakfast, Main Course, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 24

Calories: 38kcal

Author: Jessica Fisher

Ingredients

  • 4 egg
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • ¾ cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 head broccoli cut into small florets, 1 ¼ cup
  • 4 oz cheddar cheese (shredded) (1 cup)
  • 1 green onion chopped

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350. If using a muffin pan that needs greasing, spray it with nonstick cooking spray.

  • Assemble your ingredients so you don't forget anything. Cook, slice, or shred whatever needs prepping.

  • Beat the eggs in a large mixing bowl and season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the mix-ins. Stir well to combine.

  • Scoop the mixture into mini muffin pans. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove to a rack or platter and serve.

Notes

To freeze: allow the bites to cool completely. Wrap, label, and chill in the refrigerator until very cold before storing in the freezer.

To serve: reheat in the microwave or allow to thaw in the refrigerator to eat cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 38kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 42mg | Potassium: 40mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 121IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Tell us what you think! Your reviews help us develop better recipes and give newcomers the confidence to try your favorites. Scroll down to leave a starred comment.

Easy Quinoa Egg Bites - Good Cheap Eats Budget Recipes (9)
Easy Quinoa Egg Bites - Good Cheap Eats Budget Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest way to eat quinoa? ›

Toss it in salads.

Quinoa is a complete source of protein and makes a great addition to a healthy salad. The combination of fiber, protein and healthy fats can turn a light side salad into a robust entrée.

Can quinoa be eaten for breakfast? ›

If you've made oatmeal, you can make quinoa for breakfast! Actually, if you've ever cooked any grain, you can make this quinoa recipe—the process will be super familiar.

How long to toast quinoa before cooking? ›

Toast the quinoa: This easy step only takes 3 minutes, but it makes a major difference in bringing out the nutty, toasty, natural flavors of quinoa. Simply heat a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the dry uncooked quinoa and let it toast for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the quinoa is fragrant.

How do you season quinoa so it tastes good? ›

13 Ways To Add More Flavor To Quinoa
  1. Cook it in broth instead of water. ...
  2. Dress it with a vinaigrette. ...
  3. Mix cooked quinoa with caramelized onions. ...
  4. Infuse it with dried fruit and fruit scraps. ...
  5. Add oil and salt to cooked quinoa. ...
  6. Toast uncooked quinoa. ...
  7. Don't skimp on the garlic. ...
  8. Season your water with spices.
Jul 21, 2023

Is quinoa healthier than rice? ›

Quinoa is rich in both fiber and protein, contains a much higher amount of other nutrients, and has a similar fluffy texture to the rice. A cup of quinoa contains twice more protein and about 5 g more fiber than white rice. Quinoa contains fewer calories and carbohydrates than white rice.

Does quinoa burn belly fat? ›

It is very healthy due to its plant chemical contents that cause the secretion of appetite-suppressing hormones that curb your appetite. 25. Quinoa: High in protein, quinoa keeps you full with its high levels of plant-based proteins. It decreases your appetite and promotes belly fat decrease.

Is quinoa a protein or carb? ›

Quinoa is considered a carbohydrate because it contains many carbs per serving. Although it contains some protein, the macronutrient distribution is closer to what you find in other grains and starches.

What does quinoa do to your body? ›

The fiber in quinoa can also help with cholesterol and blood sugar levels, lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Quinoa is rich in antioxidants, which can prevent damage to your heart and other organs. A diet high in antioxidants has been linked with a decreased risk of heart disease.

What happens if you don't wash quinoa before eating? ›

It wasn't a huge difference in texture, but definitely noticeable. Rinsing quinoa definitely starts to hydrate the seeds. Flavor – In terms of flavor, the unrinsed quinoa definitely had a nuttier, earthier flavor, but I didn't find it bitter at all. The rinsed quinoa was definitely milder and the flavors more muted.

Is it better to eat quinoa at night or in the morning? ›

Quinoa can be consumed anytime – at breakfast, lunch or dinner. But it is best to eat healthy food like quinoa before going to bed. It induces sleep, because it relaxes the muscles, due to its high magnesium and protein content. “One can eat one-two cups of cooked quinoa in a day.

Is quinoa better for you than Oatmeal? ›

It is high in proteins and fiber and enriched with antioxidants that help in making the immune system stronger. You are advised to consume quinoa more in comparison to oats as quinoa will provide more health benefits in low calories.

Do you cook quinoa covered or uncovered? ›

Because it is a seed, quinoa absorbs water differently than other grains. To make it fluffy, cook it uncovered at a low simmer. Once it's tender and no water remains in the bottom of the pot, cover it.

How do you get rid of the smell of quinoa? ›

That smell is from the saponin, the coating I mentioned earlier, but if you do as Polisi and other quinoa experts suggest and soak the quinoa rather than merely rinse it, you've solved that problem.

How do you fix bland quinoa? ›

20 Ways To Liven Up Bland Quinoa
  1. Toast your quinoa before you cook it. Felix Marx/Shutterstock. ...
  2. Splash in some orange juice. ...
  3. Boil in some beef broth. ...
  4. Mix in some fresh chopped herbs. ...
  5. Add a spoonful of pesto. ...
  6. Stir in crumbled feta or goat cheese. ...
  7. Toss in some chopped nuts. ...
  8. Add in diced, dried fruit like raisins.
Aug 12, 2023

How do you make quinoa not taste bad? ›

The outer cover of quinoa tastes bitter and hence first make sure to rinse it in water well for three four times. And the ratio of quinoa to water is 1:2 while cooking. Once you are done rinsing, measure quinoa and add twice the amount of water to it and let it cook for exactly 20 minutes.

How do you make quinoa not gross? ›

Unless you prefer the more pronounced, earthier taste of the seed, I recommend giving it a quick rinse under cool running water, which gets rid of its natural coating that can cause a bitter taste. Even if the box says it is pre-washed, I find it doesn't hurt to give the quinoa another rinse.

What is best to eat with quinoa? ›

Quinoa's got the carbs covered, so you'll likely want to add some additional protein (eggs, lentils, beans, tofu, chicken), a fat (olive oil, nuts, butter, cheese), and, ideally, some kind of fruit or vegetable (broccoli, berries, squash, spinach).

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